The delights of the underwater world were introduced to more than 100 schoolchildren when they learned how to scuba dive.

Year six pupils at Roe Green Junior School in Kingsbury were taught the basics of the sport in their school swimming pool as part of a fortnight dedicated to learning about the impact of humans on marine life.

Melissa Loosemore, headteacher, organised the Professional Association of Diving Instructors-certified sessions last week with instructors from Portland in Dorset.

She said: "They thought it was the best thing ever and like all young people they are fired up by new experiences and injustices such as what is happening to marine life because of over-fishing.

"I have absolutely no doubt that there are children now who have experienced this and want to go on to do diving, not just as a recreational activity but to see what part they can play in conservation.

"This is another part of our planet which they have been exposed to which they did not necessarily previously know about."

A total of 116 10 and 11-year-olds received a PADI Discover Scuba Diving Certificate, all funded by the school.